Shani Am. Moore ’02 considers the financial aid she received as an undergraduate both a “badge of honor” and the motivation behind her efforts to support Princeton, particularly its commitment to need-blind admission and a diverse campus community. “I can now give back,” she says, “because someone gave to me.”
Moore, who grew up in the Bronx and Baltimore, was recruited by Princeton to play basketball, majored in politics and earned a certificate in African American studies. After graduating cum laude, she earned, all with honors, a journalism/Latin American studies degree from U.C. Berkeley, a law degree from Stanford, and a certificate in television writing from UCLA Extension. Now a pro bono attorney and full-time screenwriter, she also directs the Riordan Initiative, which helps low-income students gain access to a high-quality education. Moore co-founded the program with two other Princetonians: former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan ’52 and former Princeton Trustee Crystal Nix-Hines ’85.
1. How do you want to make a difference?
I want to help exceptional young people and make it easier for them to excel, especially students who have ability but were never told about possibilities. At the Riordan Initiative, we tell students that all the things they have overcome in high school prove that they can excel in college and beyond.
We encouraged Therese Perales ’17 to embrace Princeton before she first walked through FitzRandolph Gate. Riordan Initiative member Sudhir Lay Burgaard ’02 worked with Therese during her senior year in high school to refine and finalize her application. Therese, who has continued to participate in the program’s mentoring and support activities, is now a rising sophomore, plays club soccer, and is studying abroad in Spain.
I also want to make a difference through law, business, and education support groups. If I can help improve the life of even one person, that would be success to me.
2. Why do you support Annual Giving?
Moore Weatherby answers questions from high school students during a Riordan Initiative presentation.
Annual Giving is crucial for keeping our need-blind admissions and no-loan policies alive. Even during the Great Recession—where some two-parent households suffered two simultaneous layoffs and our perennially strong endowment took heavy hits—Princeton was able to extend aid to admitted students, and increase aid for those already on campus who needed additional support. AG allows some of the best and brightest to get to—and through—Princeton.
3. Why are you a 1746 Society member?
I loved my time at Princeton. It was a nest of nurturing and supportive learning. I was proud of Princeton while I was there, and I’m even more proud of what it is becoming, first by establishing the no-loan policy for students and then by hiring Sonya Smith as associate dean for diversity outreach the Office of Admission. We have clearly identified the need to reach out to diverse communities and recognize their invaluable contributions to University life.
4. What’s your best Princeton memory?
One memory that stands out: the day before my thesis was due I stayed up late working with a girlfriend. At 5 a.m. we walked to the Wawa; all over the “Wa” were other people from my department. We were bleary-eyed as we nodded to each other, but we were all part of a common experience. Even though we were sleep-deprived, we knew we had almost reached the finish line.
5. Thanks to Princeton…
…my world has expanded in ways I never would have thought imaginable.
Editor's note: This article was updated on Jan. 11, 2022
